International Relations & Global Affairs

Distinctive Features of the IRGA Major

The Interdisciplinary Curriculum of IRGAOur students are trained not only in Political Science, but in History, Economics, Anthropology, Literature, and Languages as well. This thought-provoking interdisciplinary curriculum provides IRGA students with a solid liberal arts education. Key courses include: "Theories of War and Peace," "Women and Politics World Wide," "Ethics and International Relations," and "International Political Economy."

Regional Studies
IRGA students can focus on the regions and nations of the world of particular interest to them. Key regional courses include: "Latin American Politics," "Japan, China and the US," and "East European Politics."

International Law
IRGA students have the opportunity to take a two course sequence on international law: "Human Rights and International Law" (Fall) and "International Environmental Law" (Spring). Eckerd College is one of the few liberal arts colleges in the country that offers this extensive training to undergraduates in the field of international law.

Study Opportunities at the United Nations in NYC and in Geneva, Switzerland
IRGA students are encouraged to participate in our courses on international organization, which includes trips to New York City and Geneva, Switzerland. These courses involve intensive interaction with the key international organizations working on issues of peace, sustainable development, terrorism and human rights. Eckerd College is the only school in the country that offers this comprehensive study of international organization at these two central locations of international diplomacy. Our International Education department also offers Eckerd students with a variety of other Winter Term and full-semester study abroad opportunities.

Courses Taught by Diplomats in Residence
IRGA students have the opportunity to take courses with Ambassadors and Diplomats. Pakistani Ambassador Jamsheed Marker, currently Under Secretary General of the United Nations, teaches "Diplomacy and International Relations" every semester. Donna Oglesby brings her decades of experience in the US foreign service to her courses, including "The Politics and Process of US Foreign Policy" and "The Media and Foreign Policy."

ASPEC IRGA Interest Group
IRGA students have the opportunity to be apart of a true intergenerational learning environment as a result of the active participation of the Academy of Senior Professionals (ASPEC) in our program. ASPEC members include experts from the US Trade Representatives Office, the State Department, the Food and Agriculture Organization and so on. These ASPEC members act as "discussant colleagues" in IRGA courses and present lectures and lead discussions in a variety of other campus settings.

A Distinguished Speakers Series
With funding from Colonel Christian L. March, Eckerd College is able to bring distinguished speakers in international relations from around the world to our campus. The series has included leading academics, foreign policy experts, and ambassadors and diplomats from around the world.

The IRGA Practicum
IRGA students have the unique opportunity to undertake an internship experience in an agency or organization involved in international affairs. This real world experience deepens and enhances students understanding and appreciation for the complexity of international relations.

Scholarship Opportunity
In addition to the generous Eckerd College scholarship programs, IRGA students have the opportunity to compete for the Maurice Williams Scholarship in International Relations. Every year a deserving IRGA student is awarded this scholarship in recognition of his/her academic achievement.

The Eckerd Difference

Three International Relations & Global Affairs majors share their opinions on all things Eckerd.

Life After Eckerd

Majoring in international relations and global affairs will help you acquire several skills that will be important in developing future employment opportunities. Proficiency in a foreign language, critical thinking, and enhanced research, writing and oral communications skills are necessary for internationally oriented careers. Majoring in international relations and global affairs will prepare you for careers in such areas as government, international organization, the non-governmental or non-profit sector, education, law, journalism, business, and further work in graduate school.